Pre-Shipment Inspection Checklist for Importers (with AQL Table)
What a pre-shipment inspection actually checks, how AQL sampling works, and the defects that most often cause a failed inspection.
Updated 2026-10-20
What PSI is, and what it is not
Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) happens after production is finished and before the goods leave the factory. It samples a batch and checks it against an agreed specification. It is not a guarantee of quality — it is a statistical check that catches systematic problems before you pay the balance.
AQL sampling: how many units get checked
AQL (Acceptable Quality Limit) defines how many defects are tolerated in a sample before the batch is rejected. The most common standard for consumer goods is AQL 2.5 for major defects and 4.0 for minor defects. The table below shows typical sample sizes.
| Lot size | Sample size | Accept (AQL 2.5) | Reject (AQL 2.5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 151 – 280 | 32 | 2 major defects | 3 or more |
| 281 – 500 | 50 | 3 | 4 or more |
| 501 – 1200 | 80 | 5 | 6 or more |
| 1201 – 3200 | 125 | 7 | 8 or more |
| 3201 – 10000 | 200 | 10 | 11 or more |
The five check categories
- Quantity and packing — carton count, label accuracy, inner packing matches the approved sample.
- Appearance — colour, finish, printing, logo placement, surface defects.
- Function — the product actually works as specified (inflation rate, current output, battery capacity).
- Dimensions and weight — measured against the drawing or spec sheet, within stated tolerance.
- Safety and compliance — markings, warning labels, plug type, certification marks where applicable.
Reading the report before you pay
A usable inspection report contains the sample size, the AQL level used, a defect count by category, photos of each defect found, and a clear pass/fail verdict. A report with only photos and no defect count is not an inspection — it is a factory visit.
Related questions
- What does a pre-shipment inspection cost?
- Third-party inspection agencies typically charge per man-day. The price varies by region and agency. If your sourcing agent includes inspection in their service fee, confirm in writing whether it is their own staff or a third party, and how many man-days are included.
- What if the inspection fails?
- The goods should not ship. Options are: the factory reworks and you re-inspect, the factory discounts and you accept, or the order is cancelled per the contract terms. This is why inspection must happen before the balance payment — after payment, your leverage is gone.
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